Helene Avocat

Teaching Assistant Professor, Geography and Geospatial Sciences

Helene Avocat has been a member of the K-State community since 2015, when she and her family moved here to continue her teaching career. Helene is originally from France, where she studied geography during her undergraduate studies and obtained her master's and Ph.D. degrees. At K-State, Helene introduces her students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geography of tourism, cartography and mapping.

How did you get involved with ID3A?

I became involved with ID3A because of my students. The work I do and the classes my students take relate to agriculture. To begin producing yield maps, students must take mapping and GIS classes. I have also become more involved in the geography sector of agriculture, as one of my colleagues and I are researching water quality in central Kansas.

What does being an ID3A affiliate mean to you?

Being an ID3A affiliate means the opportunity to educate students and advocate for geography in agriculture. Agriculture depends on geographic factors such as climate, precipitation and temperature, which help agriculturists define growing seasons and understand an area's soil and water retention capabilities. As an affiliate, it is important to me to help people use and understand geospatial technologies to improve crop management and minimize environmental impact.

What skills and experiences do you bring to the institute?

I believe I bring to the program theoretical and technical skills. My background as a geographer and my ability to problem-solve and read data that others might not be able to can help me provide insights into where the best location might be to build new grain elevators, new fields, or the potential damages that could arise from agricultural development in a particular area.

What excites you most about joining ID3A?

I am excited to share knowledge and exchange ideas with the other affiliates. The affiliate program provides us with an opportunity to learn and grow together. I look forward to gaining new skills and knowledge in areas where I lack prior experience, sharing my expertise with other affiliates and teaching them about my work and how I can assist them.